HARWICH Swimming Club travelled to Colchester for the first Essex League gala of 2015.

They were up against strong opposition in Canvey Island, Chelmsford, Epping Forest, Saffron Walden and Hornchurch.

And despite having a depleted team, due to illness and unavailability, they managed to field swimmers in every event, with some having to swim up one or two age groups.

The final points tallies were Canvey Island 228, Chelmsford 204, Epping Forest 202, Saffron Walden 166, Harwich 112 and Hornchurch 109.

In the 11 and under girls, Ruby Hammond and Raquel Da Silva Williams achieved first places in the 25 metres fly and 50m breaststroke respectively.

Special mention goes to Ella Harris and Megan Davies.

Despite only being 12, both did well to compete against much older swimmers in the individual fly and backstroke, in the open age group category.

Personal bests were gained by Liam Kerby, in the open fly, Matthew Kent, in the 11 and under freestyle, Ruby Hammond, in the 11 and under fly and 13 and under freestyle, Theo Sanderson, in the 11 and under fly, Tommy Cooper, in the 13 and under breaststroke, Joshua Herbert, in the 13 and under freestyle, Alex French, in the 11 and under backstroke, Rohan Sage, in the 11 and under breaststroke, and Lillie Mason and Luke Williams, in the 15 and under backstroke.

Swimmer of the gala went to Mason (pictured), who demonstrated a good attitude and team commitment throughout the evening.

She even volunteered to swim the dreaded 100m backstroke when the original swimmer pulled out at the last minute.